Former Mauritius President bats for closer India-Mauritius cooperation

Former President of Mauritius Prithvirajsing Roopun addresses a function in Puthupally on Saturday to observe the 83rd birth anniversary of former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. | Photo Credit: VISHNU PRATHAP Former President of Mauritius Prithvirajsing Roopun has called for greater cooperation between India and Mauritius for solving issues such as brain drain, unemployment and inequality. Addressing a function at Puthupally here on Saturday to observe the 83rd birth anniversary of former Keralam Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Mr. Roopun recalled the historical ties between India and Mauritius.He also pointed out the similarities between Mauritius and Keralam. “Both have high development indices. Both regions have multi-racial societies living in complete harmony. In Mauritius, we’ll celebrate Diwali soon. The celebrations will extend to churches and other communities. And then Christmas will come and all communities will join in the celebrations. Keralam too has a similar culture,” he said.Mr. Roopun also carried out the launch of ‘Vidyakiran’, a project conducted by the Oommen Chandy Foundation and the MGM Group of Institutions, to provide free education to 100 school and college students every year. Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan presented the Second Oommen Chandy Award to Mr Roopun.Among those present on the occasion were Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph, Chandy Oommen, MLA, Kottayam District Panchayat president Joshy Philip, senior Congress leader K. C. Joseph, Mariyamma Oommen, wife of Oommen Chandy, and Maria Oommen, his daughter. Published - October 31, 2026 08:47 pm IST